Billed as possibly being “the first malt liquor worthy of a glass,” DKML Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels will release in July as Founders Brewing Co.’s “first-ever malt liquor” and the next installment in the brewery’s Barrel-Aged Series. Never afraid to think outside the box, the brewers at Founders crafted this malt liquor “with corn and lager yeast cultivated by Spanish brewer Mahou San Miguel as part of their partnership.” Once brewed, DKML received “a healthy dose of dry-hopping to achieve the desired flavor profile” and then took on “a smooth sweetness with vanilla tones and light fruitiness thanks to its time spent aging in bourbon barrels.” DKML Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels will be the fourth official release in the brewery’s 2017 Barrel-Aged Series, preceded by Frootwood, KBS and Doom. Backwoods Bastard will follow DKML later this year, and “there is one remaining beer yet to be announced in the series this year.”

“I’m always looking for new ways to rethink what we have to offer,” said Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki. “With DKML I wanted to do something totally original, and I don’t know anyone in the craft beer world who is barrel-aging malt liquor. After some early trials, we ended up with Mahou’s lager yeast to brew a really amazing malt liquor, and then we did what we do best – barrel-aged it. The bourbon barrel smoothed it out while giving it that ‘kick’ you would expect from an imperial malt liquor.”

DKML Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels will launch in the taproom at Founders Brewing Co. on July 1, and full distribution will follow later in the month. Once released, you can expect to find this limited brew available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles (suggested retail price of $14.99 each), 750ml bottles (suggested retail price of $11.99 each), and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Michigan and throughout the rest of Founders Brewing Co.’s 46-state distribution area. If you have always wanted to tick a Bourbon barrel-aged malt liquor, now’s your chance. Keep an eye out for DKML next month. Prost!